The GAA has confirmed that a Special Congress will take place on September 30 to determine the structure of the 2018 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

Central Council delegates met on Saturday to discuss a format framed by the Central Competitions Control Committee which would see the Leinster and Munster Championships, each containing five teams, played on a round robin basis with an additional provincial qualifier group of five also.

A number of counties have raised issues with that particular structure with the main questions surrounding the qualifier group and who takes part in it.

Under the draft proposal Laois are in that section but are believed to be pushing for inclusion in the Leinster group, which may yet be expanded to six teams.

The GPA has claimed that 50% of playing squads are not in favour of the qualifier group structure on the basis that only one team qualifies from it for the All-Ireland Championship.

GPA President David Collins (Image: Bryan Keane)

Counties and provinces have now been given until July 14 to suggest amendments to the CCCC proposal. After consideration, motions will then be framed for the Special Congress in September.

Special Congress, the first of its kind to be held since 2006, will also allow the Standing Committee on Playing Rules and the CCCC to submit motions that would make more weekends available for club games.